PLANT HARDINESS ZONES IN CANADA – In Which Zone is My Garden?

This question is probably the one most often asked by new and even not-so-new gardeners.
Because Canada’s geography varies so widely in terms of temperature ranges that take into
account local features,( large bodies of water, mountain ranges, weather phenomena such as
sudden winter thaws), in the year 2000, our Canadian hardiness zones were extensively revised
and updated using more recent climatic data and modern mapping techniques.

The current hardiness zones were produced jointly by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and
Natural Resources Canada, determined by a number of factors, including: the winter and summer
coldest and warmest temperatures, the length of the growing
season (frost free period), the summer rainfall, and the wind
and snow cover for the winter season. Canada is now
divided into 9 zones (0-8) instead of 10 (0-9).

A hardiness zone is a specific geographical area with its own

set of environmental conditions. A hardiness zone map is a
graphic representation of a number of hardiness zones. Knowing the plant hardiness zone for
your area is essential to planning your garden and choosing the appropriate plants.
Zone maps give a range of times in which to perform planting activities. For example, those
living in northern areas can follow the later dates in the spring and earlier dates in the fall. Those
living in southern areas can follow earlier dates in the spring and later dates in the fall. As a rule
of thumb, there is approximately a two-week difference between zones and a one-week
difference between section “a” and “b” within zones.

Use the web links at the end of

the article for more details on
Canada’s zone hardiness
research and specific
information on your area.

In the United States growing zones are based strictly on temperature. As a general guide add
one number to the American Zone to get the Canadian equivalent.

In Grey and Bruce counties

depending on where you live, the
zones range from 5a to 4b. Most
of the area is a zone 5 but there
are some areas that are zone 4.

If planting a zone 5 plant in zone

4, place it in a protected, warmer
location from cold winter winds.

If you want a low maintenance

garden, use plants that will grow in in
your zone or a cooler zone.

GCMG:mb
 Mind Your Microclimates
This is an area where the influence of
such factors as south-facing slopes
and protection from winds can give a
defined area a hardiness rating of
one or even two points higher than
the surrounding area.

The particular area could be moister or drier, windier or more sheltered, warmer or cooler. Varied
terrain, vegetation and existing structures (overhanging eaves, light-blocking walls) can have a
strong impact on even the tiniest plots. Balcony gardeners need to remember that the higher up
they are, the more extreme the conditions will be. Other microclimates to consider are: frost
pockets (cold dense air settling in low-lying areas), wind tunnels (created between buildings and
trees), heat traps (walls can absorb radiated heat) and air pollution (traffic or smog).

Success with any plant, sufficiently hardy for a given site, ultimately depends on how closely all its
needs are met. So, how to avoid pitfalls? Start by looking around and seeing which species thrive
best locally. Browse nearby nurseries, join a gardening club, research plant needs at your local
library or on the internet. Then take the plunge. Who really knows which plants will thrive in your
garden until you try them? Successes are well worth celebrating, but failures are often the best
teachers.
References and Recommended Resources

1. Agriculture Canada Hardiness Zone Map

2. Natural Resources Canada - Under Forests – Plant Hardiness in Canada

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/climate-change/impacts/13093

3. Plant Hardiness in
Canada
http://planthardiness.gc.
ca/
This site explores the relationship between plants and climate across Canada.
The site is dedicated to plant hardiness zone maps, which have traditionally
been used by gardeners to help select which plant species to grow in their
area as well as a list of plants that are recommended for your chosen zone.

Specific Links:
Explore Plant Hardiness Zone Maps

Explore Species-specific Models and Maps

Look up plants by their common or botanical name and learn where they grow, how
they are affected by climate change and more

Plants in my Area
Enter the name of your municipality or GPS coordinates to find zone hardy plants for
your property.

Prepared by Grey County Master Gardeners for use by home gardeners & community groups.
For other use, please email greycountymg@gmail.com March 2018 rrb